Gesamtkosten:

EU-Beitrag:

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Thema(en):

Aufruf zur Vorschlagseinreichung:

Finanzierungsprogramm:

STREP - Specific Targeted Research Project

Ziel

The scientific evidence base to support credible risk assessment for the design of appropriate microbial standards for bathing waters is insufficient. This is particularly true for Mediterranean waters, for new member states and for effects associated with exposure to toxic algal products. This is a pressing problem as Directive 76/160/EEC is currently in the process of amendment by the EU.

It is therefore intended to address three questions, namely:a. What is the nature and level of the risk and how does exposure affect risk?b. What level of protection is afforded by the threshold values in Directive 76/160/EEC and CEC (2004)?c. How do the risks vary between fresh and marine waters and does the 1:2 ratio of the faecal indicator threshold values in coastal waters vs freshwaters ensure a comparable level of protection?

In the first 12 months, this proposal will:(i) complete a literature review and meta-analysis of current epidemiological data derived principally from UK and German studies,(ii) define data gaps restricting the application of credible health-evidence-based policy to bathing water standards outside these regions and(iii) design and agree a suitable research protocol for filling these data gaps. The second twelve months of research (from month 13 to 24) will(iv) implement this protocol and the project will deliver(v) a scientific report of the findings and detailed policy interpretation before the project end, i.e. 36 months following commencement.